Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health
Cindy, a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role to be "being able to place some meaningful part in somebody's life when they're going through something really scary," contributing to the development of FDA-approved treatments that may help "thousands of people in America internationally." The positive impact on patients' lives, even without a positive treatment outcome, provides deep fulfillment in this career.
Patient Care, Clinical Trials, Oncology, Healthcare, Research
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Cindy Tong
Sr. Clinical Trial Coordinator
UCLA Health, Hematology/Oncology
UCLA, 2017
UCLA FEMBA 2026
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Research and Development (R&D)
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Working on clinical trials that lead to FDA approvals and contribute to positive patient outcomes and potentially help thousands of people.
2. Being able to contribute meaningfully to patients' lives during a difficult time and provide a positive impact.
3. Developing skills to manage patient care and being a source of support and positivity for patients facing serious illnesses.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your role?
The patient aspect of my work is what I look for the most, and it directs all of my job. This includes achievements, frustrations, stress, and anxiety, whatever you call it.
In the last three years, we've had almost eight to ten clinical trials approved by the FDA. This means all of our patients' contributions were very meaningful. Not only that, but every patient contribution results in something that will help thousands of people internationally. I think that is the most gratifying part of my job.
Knowing that you are part of doing something good that contributes to the betterment of humanity, by helping people navigate a very serious illness, is incredibly rewarding. We've all heard of cancer in books and movies; it's become a trope for fictional plotlines.
However, cancer is a very real disease that affects so many people. Just knowing that you have some hand in contributing to a positive outcome is the most rewarding aspect.
I also have to acknowledge that not everything is positive all the time. With respect to my patients, even if they don't have a positive outcome, the most rewarding aspect is being able to play a meaningful part in somebody's life when they're going through something scary.
Knowing that you have developed the skills to manage their care and be a positive light in their life is what matters. Those are the rewards that keep on giving, fortunately and unfortunately.